Skin Cancer Information?

I just found out today that my Grandmother has Skin Cancer. I already had one Grandmother die of Cancer(Lung Cancer). But I just really need some information on skin cancer. How long can someone survive with skin cancer?

Skin cancer is in general MUCH LESS life threatening than lung cancer, and almost always very cureable. However, before being able to tell you for certain, there are a few things you must know.

The most important of these is the TYPE (or histology) of the skin cancer. There are a number of different types, but the three most commonly seen are i) Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) ii) Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) and iii) Melanomas.

Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin cancers are both in what is broadly termed "non-melanoma skin cancer." They are both VERY common; so much so that they are not even included in most quoted cancer stats. If small, these cancers are treated with small or larger surgery, but other treatments such as radiation or even surgery are possible for those in which surgery has failed or in which surgery is difficult. It should be noted that Basal Cell Carcinomas are almost never fatal and very rarely spread to the lymph nodes. Squamous cell carcinomas, if not caught reasonably early, may spread to the lymph nodes (still quite unlikely) and if this occurs, it is possible that the disease coudl prove fatal. Overall the cure rates for these cancers are over 90%. The only risk is that since these types of skin cancer are strongly associated with sun exposure, it is highly likely that others may develop.

Melanomas on the other hand are - in general terms - much more serious. The primary treatment for these is surgery, and - except for very superficial lesions - the surgeon should also do a lymph node dissection of some sort either at surgery or on a different occasion. Melanomas are also qutie cureable, but the risks are much higher than with BCCs or SCCs. How high the risks of recurrence or mortality from melanomas depends a lot on the depth of the lesion, and whether or not the lymph nodes, or other organs are involved. If you grandmother has melanoma, and she wants to know what her risks are, she should have a detailed discussion with her oncologist or surgeon about the depth of the primary lesion (i.e the skin lesion) as well as whether or not the lymph nodes were involved and how this affects the likelihood of the melanoma returning. (Note: if lymph nodes are involved, it will be worth having a discussion about either radiation or interferon with a radiation or medical oncologist respectively.)

I would agree strongly with the one respondent that it is important for your grandmother not to go into the doctor's office alone - especially if she has melanoma. Going through a diagnosis of cancer can greatly affect an individuals ability to hear and retain information that may later be vital to their friends and family as well as information that they need to make life decisions.

Good luck!

Skin cancer is preventable and easily treated when found early. Look for abnormal moles (larger than a pencil eraser, uneven edges or color, roughness or bleeding) and have a dermatologist check them out. Since you know you are at risk, avoid sun exposure and use lots of sunscreen.

Most times skin cancer is not fatal. There are exceptions, but usually if it's caught fairly early, it is not going to be a fatal condition.

Skin cancer is treatable if it is diagnosed at an early stage.

Going through the treatment is rough. My grandmother was weak all of the time. After a year of chemo, she decided to give up on the treatment. She passed away 3 months later.

My grandmother did not spend much time out in the sun when I knew her. In her youth she was out at the beach very often though. It is sad how changing your bad behaviors often does not help to solve problems.

Skin cancer varies in severity but it can be treated. I am a skin cancer surviver and in m y case it was a simple operation to have it removed from my left temple where it had developed.

I have known several skin cancer patients and in each of their cases it was removed through surgery. One friend had it right in the middle of her cheek so they did skin grafts to repair the damage and scar tissue from the surgery. After she healed, you would have to look hard to see where she had the caner to begin with.

The most important thing is to have a dermatologist examine it as soon as possible so that a course of action can be set into motion. Don't wait and don't let your Grandmother wait to see someone. It will not get better on its own.

First, there are many kinds of skin cancer. You need to find out which kind your grandmother has and if it is topical or has it spead to other organs. Don't panic....I know that right now your heart is pounding and you are scared. There are many new ways to treat cancer...it is not always a death sentence.

Go with your grandmother to the doctor and ask questions. It will help her to have another set of ears to listen to his replies.
Grandma' s doctor can help guide you to where you can best find information on her condition.

My heart and prayers are with you both.

try and calm down. you can't do anything until you know what kind it is. There is melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and more i'm sure. The important things to know are which type and what stage. most skin cancers caught early enough can be delt with easily. my grandma had squamous cell a few years ago in a mole on her forehead the only treatment she ended up need was to have it removed.

Know more about Cancer !
http://mesotheliomastudy.blogspot.com/

--------------------

Know more about Cancer !
http://mesotheliomastudy.blogspot.com/

--------------------